For Him, I Stayed

Chapter 29: ""Fractured Reflections"

Note:
"HAPPY NEW YEAR GUYS!!! Im currently making a new story after this story is finally complete!.."

Warning:
Drama
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Chapter 29: "Fractured Reflections"

The weeks of silence between Ray and Matthew continued to gnaw at both of them. Ray kept his distance, Claire’s venomous words echoing in his mind every time he considered reaching out. Meanwhile, Matthew found himself trapped in a web of confusion and frustration, his attempts to bridge the gap only met with avoidance.

But tension had a way of boiling over, and it was only a matter of time before everything came to a head.

---

At the gymnasium, during a PE class

The sound of sneakers squeaking against polished wood and the sharp whistle of the coach filled the air. The students were paired off for a round of basketball drills, their voices blending into a chaotic chorus.

Ray was partnered with Jarren, who had quickly become a steady presence in his life. Jarren’s lightheartedness and easygoing nature made him one of the few people Ray felt comfortable around.

“Pass it, Ray!” Jarren called, holding his hands out.

Ray lobbed the ball toward him, and Jarren caught it with ease before dribbling it back to Ray. “You’re getting better,” Jarren said with a grin.

“Thanks,” Ray muttered, though his focus was split. Across the court, Matthew was partnered with Leo, who seemed to be enjoying the game a bit too much. Matthew, however, kept stealing glances in Ray’s direction, his frustration evident in his furrowed brow.

“Still ignoring him?” Jarren asked, following Ray’s gaze.

“It’s for the best,” Ray said, his voice tight.

Jarren sighed. “You keep saying that, but do you actually believe it?”

Ray didn’t respond, choosing instead to focus on the ball in his hands.

---

After PE, in the locker room

Ray was at his locker, pulling on his jacket, when Matthew approached him.

“We need to talk,” Matthew said, his tone firm.

Ray stiffened. “There’s nothing to talk about.”

“The hell there isn’t,” Matthew shot back, stepping in front of him. “You’ve been avoiding me for weeks, and I’m done pretending it’s okay.”

Ray’s jaw tightened. “Just drop it, Matthew.”

“No,” Matthew said, his voice rising. “I won’t drop it. Not until you tell me what’s going on.”

The tension in the room was palpable, and a few of their classmates glanced over, sensing the brewing confrontation.

Jarren stepped forward, his expression cautious. “Hey, maybe we should cool off, yeah?”

“This doesn’t concern you, Jarren,” Matthew said without looking at him.

“Actually, it does,” Jarren said, crossing his arms. “Ray’s my friend, and if you’re just gonna yell at him-”

“Stay out of it, Jarren,” Ray interrupted, his voice quiet but firm.

Jarren hesitated, then nodded. “Fine. But I’m not going far.”

As Jarren stepped away, Matthew turned his attention back to Ray. “What did I do, Ray? Just tell me.”

Ray’s heart ached at the hurt in Matthew’s voice, but he forced himself to stay resolute. “You didn’t do anything. This is just... how it has to be.”